18 Nov 2008

Wallabies need to back-up: Deans

6:19 am on 18 November 2008

The Australian rugby coach Robbie Deans has challenged his high-flying Wallabies to prove they're no flash in the pan in Sunday's showdown with France in Paris.

Deans is wary of an emotional letdown after the 28-14 victory over England last Saturday - Australia's biggest win at Twickenham since the Wallabies' grand slam triumph back in 1984.

He says although they beat England for the first time in four years the key is that they don't see that as having papered over all the cracks as there was ample opportunity for the hosts to to win.

Deans says the full-strength French, are a much greater threat than the depleted side that suffered a 2-0 series whitewash in Australia in July.

The Wallabies haven't beaten England and France in back-to-back Tests away from home since 1998.